Mold equals Money (Part 1)

However, in recent times, mold has received much negative publicity and there has been growing concern about exposure to mold. Whether in your home or office, mold growth is usually an unwelcome visitor, mostly associated with spoilage, contamination, bad odors and allergies.

But are these claims justified? This article seeks to clarify what mold really is and how it can affect you, your loves ones and your business.

What is mold? Mold is a type of fungus that is uniquely distinct from plants, animals and bacteria. There are hundreds of thousands of different types of mold and they are found virtually everywhere. In the natural environment, mold serves a critical role by decomposing dead plant and animal matter, allowing nutrients to be recycled.

Mold growth starts off as a spore (microscopic seed-like structure) drifting on air currents. When this spore settles on a suitable surface (eg leaves, paper, leather, wood) and moisture becomes available, this spore germinates by sprouting a network of root-like structures.

Continuous growth results in the visible masses that can be seen with the naked eye and the subsequent release of more spores into the air.

Mold can present itself in a variety of colours (eg white, black, green, gray, brown) and textures (eg powdery, fluffy, cotton-like). In the indoor environment, mold can seem to suddenly appear and spread quickly if not addressed.

Why the concern about mold now? Mold issues have gained momentum recently for a number of reasons: We spend more time indoors – It has been estimated that on average a person may spend up to 90% of his/ her time indoors. “Indoor air quality” refers to the quality of the air in a home, school, office, or other building environment. If there is a source of mold indoors, the indoor air quality can become compromised and this may increase exposure 2 to 5 times.

Buildings and homes are becoming more air-tight – Locally there has been a rise in the installation of air-conditioning systems. To keep cool air in, buildings and homes are being sealed up without taking into consideration the need for adequate air exchanges. For example, split air-conditioning units recycle indoor air without the introduction of fresh filtered air. This can lead to a buildup of indoor pollutants such as mold spores.

Society is more empowered – Over the last decade there has been a surge in human rights movements.

People are more inclined to demand better customer service and stand up for workers rights. Products contaminated by mold can lead to a recall based on consumer feedback.

Homes damaged with mold can lead to loss of tenants and insurance claims. Offices and work places contaminated with mold can lead to involvement of Workers Unions and the Occupational Safety and Health Authority.

Information is more readily accessible – Social media and smart devices literally allow information to be shared across the globe in real time with the touch of a button. This has resulted in a more sensitized public. Attention grabbing headlines from the media about mold have included phrases such as “Sick Building Syndrome” and “Toxic Black Mold”.

Mold is a money making business – The simple truth is mold has evolved into a money making. Once mold is established, there can be a hefty cost for removal, clean-up and long-term prevention, most of which require hiring of a professional or consultant.

And in these difficult times, every penny counts.

How mold affects us? Whether we realize it or not, mold can affect us, our loved ones and our business in a number of ways, each having financial implications.

Health Effects A US-based study done in 2012 indicated that mold adds $3.5 billion dollars to the annual US health care bill and 21 percent of all asthma cases in the US are attributable to dampness and mold exposure. Almost everyone knows someone with allergies, asthma or other respiratory illness, what do you think the cost for Trinidad and Tobago is? Sick building syndrome (SBS) describes a range of symptoms thought to be linked to spending time in a certain building. “Toxic Black Mold” is reported to be the leading cause of sick building syndrome and building related illness. Occupants may report experiencing acute healthor comfort-related effects which may include: headaches, dizziness, nausea, aches and pains, fatigue, inability to concentrate, shortness of breath and/ or tightness of chest, eye, nose and throat irritations.

Each component of mold growth can potentially cause illness: Mold spores are the tiny seed-like structures that mold releases during reproduction. These spores can remain airborne for long periods and when inhaled, may trigger allergic reactions.

Pieces of mold growth (the root-like structures) may break off when dried out or disturbed, become airborne and also cause allergic reactions.

Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs) are gases released by mold growth. This is the characteristic musty, earthy or stale odor that may indicate that mold is present. Some of these compounds are toxic and have been linked to neurological disorders.

Those most affected by mold include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, recovering cancer patients, those with pre-existing conditions (e.g. asthma) and persons with compromised immune systems.

Join us next week as we continue this look at mold.

For more information, please contact CARIRI’s Environmental Microbiology Laboratory for more information at emicro@cariri.com or 285-5050 ext 3504, 3509 or 3512